Hinsdale fire chief takes Bartlett Fire assistant chief post

The Bartlett Fire Protection District announced Wednesday that Hinsdale Fire Chief Michael Kelly is leaving that department to become its assistant chief.

Kelly will start April 2, filling the position left vacant by Assistant Fire Chief William Anderson’s retirement at the beginning of 2012.

Kelly has been with the Hinsdale fire department more than 24 years, with nine of those as assistant chief and four as chief.

Kelly is a state licensed paramedic with an extensive background in fire prevention and public fire education.

Bartlett Fire Chief Mike Falese said he interviewed more than a dozen candidates and Kelly was picked for his personality and leadership style.

“He is very personable, patient, and willing to mentor young firefighters and officers. His desire to serve in the Bartlett community and for the Bartlett Fire Protection District was evident from his first interview,” Kelly said.

No internal candidates expressed interest in the position, Falese said. “We are still a very young organization. One of our identified goals is to better prepare internal candidates to assume higher leadership positions in the organization.”